Tag Archives: Featured

Through the 4th Wall presents “19” – Staged Reading

Immersive theater company Through the 4th Wall  (Creators of the Poe production Dream within a Dream: Madness) return to the Art Center to they bring their latest play to life.

The musical 19 celebrates the dynamic and little-known story of Alice Paul, suffragists and the fight to get women the right to vote— the 19th Amendment. The inspirational story of these fearless women is brought to life through jazz, spoken word, dance and audience interaction.

Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Schwed & Doug Bradshaw

Music by Charlie Barnett

Performance dates:

  • Wednesday, September 12 – Cancelled due to high water in Old Town
  • Tuesday, October 16
  • Wednesday, November 28

Show Information:

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (doors at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm)
Tickets: $10

Purchase Tickets Now

Be sure to also visit the Through the 4th Wall table at the following three Late Shifts for more information about this exciting new play, as well as pop-up performances throughout the evening’s activities.

  • Friday, September 14 – Late Shift: Culture ALX – Cancelled due to high water in Old Town
  • Friday, October 12 – Late Shift: Folklore
  • Friday, November 9 – Late Shift: 100

About Through the 4th Wall

As filmmakers and multimedia storytellers, TT4W brings fantasy worlds to life. They build an elaborate “mythology” and then create an experience centered around audiences, while simultaneously engaging them to become a part of the story. They design immersive experiences that place audience not just in the front row, but through the imaginary “4th Wall” of the performance. Through these productions, they build a unique relationship with each audience member by changing them from a “passive viewer” into an “active participant.” The goal is always to make you a part of the story.

TT4W’s most recent collaboration at the Art Center was A Dream Within A Dream: Madness, a two-month sold out run in 2016 – a surreal and romantically macabre show that explored the twisted mind of Edgar Allan Poe.

Yoga & Sound

Local sound artist, yogi and meditation guide, Jeneen Piccuirro, will lead her signature one-hour class carefully guiding a gentle yoga series with a crystal bowl accompaniment and closing with a gong meditation. Jeneen’s authentic integrated holistic offerings are designed with comfort, health and ultimate rejuvenation in mind. It’s a great start to the weekend for mind, body and soul while surrounded by the art and creativity of the Torpedo Factory.

Doors open at 8:30 am. Class starts promptly at 9 am. Please arrive with time to settle in and bring a yoga mat and water bottle. (A limited number of mats will be available for rent by the teacher for $5.)

Price: $10 advance ticket sale online. $15 at the door.

Buy Tickets Now

Organized by the Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. 

Class outline

Class begin with a crystal bowl meditation and will include gentle movement for circulation and flow and move in to a few accessible seated Asanas (poses) for stretching and release. Options for all levels will be offered. Chairs will be available for those who would like them. Class will end with a 15 min Savassana, in which students will be invited to lie down and listen to the gong.

Crystal Singing Bowls are made of quartz and resonate to specific frequencies. They create a clear “toning” that brings a state of calm and centeredness to the body. This vibrational sound is heard and felt through the whole body and assists in the process of relaxation which can be very helpful in yoga asana or meditation practices.

The Symphonic Gong in contrast, made of a brass compound, belongs to some of the oldest musical instruments known. It has complex harmonics with a clear fundamental tone and rich dynamic overtones that literally wash over and through the body. Due to the complexity and totality of this sound, the effects are quite comprehensive and the sound in affect “re-sets” the body and mind to a state of neutral.

Instructor Bio

Jeneen Piccuirro, MFA, has over 25 years of experience leading original Art, Meditation, Yoga, Dance, Sound Healing and Movement based offerings, and is a pioneer in integrating and genuinely combining these modalities to bring the body & mind into balance for long term well-being. Her skillful approach gently shifts people out of habits of escapism and avoidance into healthier patterns of acceptance and understanding, paving the way for a deeper residing peace and joy.

Through the 4th Wall presents “19” – Staged Reading

Immersive theater company Through the 4th Wall  (Creators of the Poe production Dream within a Dream: Madness) return to the Art Center to they bring their latest play to life.

The musical 19 celebrates the dynamic and little-known story of Alice Paul, suffragists and the fight to get women the right to vote— the 19th Amendment. The inspirational story of these fearless women is brought to life through jazz, spoken word, dance and audience interaction.

Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Schwed & Doug Bradshaw

Music by Charlie Barnett

Performance dates:

  • Wednesday, September 12 – Cancelled due to high water in Old Town
  • Tuesday, October 16
  • Wednesday, November 28

Show Information:

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (doors at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm)
Tickets: $10

Purchase Tickets Now

Be sure to also visit the Through the 4th Wall table at the following three Late Shifts for more information about this exciting new play, as well as pop-up performances throughout the evening’s activities.

  • Friday, September 14 – Late Shift: Culture ALX – Cancelled due to high water in Old Town
  • Friday, October 12 – Late Shift: Folklore
  • Friday, November 9 – Late Shift: 100

About Through the 4th Wall

As filmmakers and multimedia storytellers, TT4W brings fantasy worlds to life. They build an elaborate “mythology” and then create an experience centered around audiences, while simultaneously engaging them to become a part of the story. They design immersive experiences that place audience not just in the front row, but through the imaginary “4th Wall” of the performance. Through these productions, they build a unique relationship with each audience member by changing them from a “passive viewer” into an “active participant.” The goal is always to make you a part of the story.

TT4W’s most recent collaboration at the Art Center was A Dream Within A Dream: Madness, a two-month sold out run in 2016 – a surreal and romantically macabre show that explored the twisted mind of Edgar Allan Poe.

23rd Annual Art Safari

An Alexandria tradition for more than two decades, Art Safari returns for a day of hands-on activities for kids and families. Dozens of artists lead budding arts enthusiasts in hands-on projects throughout the building. Children should wear clothing that can get a little dirty. Most activities are appropriate for ages 5 – 11. Some parental participation may be required.

This year, scientists affiliated with the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) will work alongside artists to help participants understand and appreciate the interplay of art and Earth-system science. Art Safari takes place on the eve of AGI’s Earth Science Week, which runs October 14–20. This year’s theme is “Earth as Inspiration.” Earth Science Week reaches more than 50 million people worldwide, offering free education resources, information, and activities on earth science and art. This year, former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell is AGI’s 2018 Earth Science Education Ambassador.

List of Activities

Coming Soon

Photos by Jingwei Li/Villa Li Photography

The Late Shift: Folklore

October is the time for stories, traditions, and folklore. It’s also National Arts & Humanities Month. Hear old familiar tales and create new stories.

Bodies & Voices: Tools for Creativity

This workshop is for artists who want to deepen their own creative process. Using elements of dance and theatre, participants form a shared experience that explores the intersection of art, individuality, and community. Open to adults of all abilities.

Organized in collaboration with Local Motion Project.

Cost is $40. Limited space, sign up early to guarantee availability.

Sign Up Now
Photo by Ahmad Odeh on Unsplash

Yoga & Sound

Local sound artist, yogi and meditation guide, Jeneen Piccuirro, will lead her signature one-hour class carefully guiding a gentle yoga series with a crystal bowl accompaniment and closing with a gong meditation. Jeneen’s authentic integrated holistic offerings are designed with comfort, health and ultimate rejuvenation in mind. It’s a great start to the weekend for mind, body and soul while surrounded by the art and creativity of the Torpedo Factory.

Doors open at 8:30 am. Class starts promptly at 9 am. Please arrive with time to settle in and bring a yoga mat and water bottle. (A limited number of mats will be available for rent by the teacher for $5.)

Price: $10 advance ticket sale online. $15 at the door.

Buy Tickets Now

Organized by the Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. 

Class outline

Class begin with a crystal bowl meditation and will include gentle movement for circulation and flow and move in to a few accessible seated Asanas (poses) for stretching and release. Options for all levels will be offered. Chairs will be available for those who would like them. Class will end with a 15 min Savassana, in which students will be invited to lie down and listen to the gong.

Crystal Singing Bowls are made of quartz and resonate to specific frequencies. They create a clear “toning” that brings a state of calm and centeredness to the body. This vibrational sound is heard and felt through the whole body and assists in the process of relaxation which can be very helpful in yoga asana or meditation practices.

The Symphonic Gong in contrast, made of a brass compound, belongs to some of the oldest musical instruments known. It has complex harmonics with a clear fundamental tone and rich dynamic overtones that literally wash over and through the body. Due to the complexity and totality of this sound, the effects are quite comprehensive and the sound in affect “re-sets” the body and mind to a state of neutral.

Instructor Bio

Jeneen Piccuirro, MFA, has over 25 years of experience leading original Art, Meditation, Yoga, Dance, Sound Healing and Movement based offerings, and is a pioneer in integrating and genuinely combining these modalities to bring the body & mind into balance for long term well-being. Her skillful approach gently shifts people out of habits of escapism and avoidance into healthier patterns of acceptance and understanding, paving the way for a deeper residing peace and joy.

Community Writing Workshop

Community Building Art Works returns to the Riverview Room for the next Community Writing Workshop. No creative writing experience required!

September’s workshop will be led by the National Endowment for the Arts Lit Team: Amy Stolls (Director of Literature) Mohamed Sheriff (Literature Specialist) Jessica Flynn (Literature Specialist) Katy Day (Assistant Grants Management Specialist).

About the Series

Led by accomplished authors, these generative workshops focus on the craft of writing as a tool for introspection, communication, and connection. Bring a pen, a notebook, and an open mind! Tickets are free, but we appreciate a donation of $5-10 to support our programs.

Light refreshments will be provided. Doors at 6:30 pm; workshop begins promptly at 7 pm.

$5 suggested donation. Registration required.

Register Now

RESCHEDULED — Beer & Wine Torpedo Garden

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Due to the expected inclement weather from Hurricane Florence, the 16th Annual King Street Art Festival has been postponed to September 22 & 23. Likewise, the Beer and Wine Torpedo Garden is changing dates to match.

Many activities from The Late Shift: Culture ALX will be moved to this weekend, as it has been canceled for weather. The Shop & Stroll to the Art Center will proceed as originally planned.

Check back for an updated schedule of activities.

While exploring the 16th Annual King Street Art Festival, step inside to shop for art with a drink in your hand and shade overhead. Sample crafted beer and wine throughout the Art Center.